Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-04-07
tFor the Dispatch.l
Stpndard Farming.

Stendard Farming.
The motto of the old Albany Catfi-
udfcr, edited by the late Jesse Buel,
was: "To cultivate the soil and the
mind" The trite saying, 1.-The great
study OF man is man." might well be
amended by adding the words, and the
greater study of manshould be the soil.
Why not ? The soil is the foundation OF
wealth and the food Of man, and conse-
quently is entitled TO a just considera-
ton and cordial support. However,
il is sad reflection that this great
friend of man and beast is quite too
often abused, in that unjust demands
are made upon il to produce beyond its
abiIity-an ability of which 1t has been
robbed by exhaustive cultivation. The
traveller would have as good reason to
complain of an unfed horse that refuses
to bear its burden as the husbandman
Of the soil that is not sufficiently and
considerably cared for. On a recent
examination of the apparently worn
out and unproductive lands Of Clare
mont and South Claremont, once the
productive and remunerative plantation
of Colonel William Allen, we were
forcibly impressed with the fact OF
Gland robbery" and seemingly beyond
the possibility OF restoration that
will prove remuneratiye--a disastrous
experiment to those who have not an
abundant means and determined per-
severance.
We were also reminded OF the great
deterioration of the soil in Charles City
county, especially so much OF it as once
constituted the large plantation of the
late Josiah Wilson, whose granaries
were well filed with thousands of
bushels Of corn and wheat, now counted
by hundreds, if not by scores whose
hocks and herds were fatand sleek, now
reduced TO shadows by inadequate win
ter forage and "run " in broomstraw.
There are hundreds of acres that are
now unprodnctive-notn netting the tax
from exhaustive cultivation and long
disuse, having all the elements OF vege-
tation drowned out, while in its better
days golden barvests rewarded the hand
of toll under the " feeding system and
rotation of crops.
The possibilities OF American genius,
intelligence, and industry establish
the truth of the saying What man
has done" Tor not donel "man may
do"
G. Z. Tucker, Esq, Of Bradford,
Penn, recently purchased portion OF
the aforementioned plantation, and
the resident manager, c. e. Carpenter,
is making thorough effort to restore
the old corn and wheattields to their
productiveness in Eye olden time"
The location is beautiful for situation,
and, no doubt, with capital and study
of soil and crop food and persistent in
dustry, nature will respond with re-
munerative smile.
Sherron Brothers, from the Eastern
Shore OF Maryland, are proving the
possibilities of the exhausted lands OF
Charles City county by systematic
and diligent process that no doubt will
ultimately claim the mastery, and on
the new South will be reflected the
thrift of the old, and when the sound
of hound and horn blended all feelings
into harmony. The acquisition of this
class of citizens and workingmen, who
see nothing mean and debasing in rural
occupation, adds to the substantial
prosperity of Tidewater Virginia.
As marked illustration of an irwin
chile will, a practicable system, and in
dustrious perseverance, we have the
pleasure of abiding TO the standard
forming" of S. h. Mooers, OF. Fairfield,
Charles City county; in other words,
experimental farming by the books and
observation, having close, calculating
eye upon results that will balance the
account, with "profit" for pocket
money for substantial improvements
and the cause Of public and private
charity.
Mr. Mooers is man who knows the
worth of dollar, and when he buries
it in the soil his scrutinizing judgment
can readily determine the character OF
its return. As an encouragement and
lesson for others he does not scorer too
much ground the great mistake OF
too many James-river farmers. His
cultivated acres number one hundred,
marked and enclosed with the exactness
of the compass. The bedding of his
land and the line of his drills are aimed
at the cardinal points, without the
least variation. His rotary system OF
crops claims his diligent study, and he
supplies bis soil with appropriate food,
as be does for the keeping and maturi-
ty of his focks and herds. His mot
toes are "To improve the soil and
mind" and "What is worth doing at
all is worth doing WE'LL" All those who
are interested in standard or expert
mental farming will do well to visit s.
X. Mooers, OF the Fairfield estate,
Charles City county. II Underwater
Virginia would establish an experiment
tai farm it would be of great advantage
to its agricultural interests and have q
tendency to hold the young pen from
the effects of the inspiring influence OF
Westward the star of empire takes
its way" Omnid vincit.